A series of articles in The Pitch Pipe throughout 2007 focused on the legal realities of music. The International Education Symposium (IES), “Kickin’ it up a Notch,” was held at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas (USA) in 2008 with more than 200 educational classes, daily performances, and demonstrations by Four Bettys, 2008 International Champion Quartet. The first digital online version of The Pitch Pipe was posted in July 2008, in addition to the print version. The International Board authorized a ‘buy-back’ program for interrupted membership. And the Coronet Club celebrated 50 years in 2008.
Stockholm City Voices Chorus’ beautifully-sung ‘Amelia Earhart’ package at International Education Symposium 2008, back when Division A and AA contest was part of that event, took a truly original approach in designing a package around an American aviation pioneer. The creativity blew me away. Each singer had an aviator’s helmet and they took it on and off to enhance the emotional sell of the songs. Stockholm was the first chorus to show me that being a high-quality ensemble didn’t mean having to be large in number of singers. Something I’ve kept in mind ever since! —Lea Baker, Director of Endeavour Harmony Chorus (#34), Sweet Adelines International Faculty Pictured: 2008 Division A Harmony Achievement Champions
Stockholm City Voices
Members from High Country Chorus, Colorado (USA), sing onstage during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony, 2008.
2008 Audience Choice Award added to international convention awards. 104
The Harmony Classic competition was added to the International Convention schedule on Tuesday evening and the Audience Choice Award was also added in Nashville (Tennessee, USA) in 2009. A brandnew event — the Young Women in Harmony Festival — happened on Friday and Saturday preceding convention.
2009 Education, Harmony Classic, and Rising Star Quartet contests added to international convention schedule.
2009 Gateway Chorus, Edmonton, Alberta (CAN) sings backup for Kenny Rogers at his Christmas and Hits show.